96

I looked at her and sudden guilt flushed over me. More than I ever felt, I could feel guilt burning inside of me.

I walked to my bed and removed my hoodie, leaving me on the T-shirt and trousers. I sat on the bed and cried silently. I didn't want Emily waking up to see me sob or hear me whimper so I remained as quiet as possible.

I can't be weak, even if I already was.

Everything felt crazy, I didn't want to be here. I only wanted a means of livelihood to help my parents get out of this mess and just provide for the family.

Sky asking me to rob a strange man was the height of it. I didn't sign up for that and I didn't want to get myself involved in anything in that manner. I heard how drug dealing involved other things and I promised myself I was going to stay clean.

I was only going to get deals, sell, get the cash and start the circle again. I scoffed and wiped the tears that welled in my eyes. They were hot and painful, filled with regret and guilt.

I was gradually turning into a beast I couldn't recognize. Every day I sit blaming myself for what I was doing. For what I did to Emily and for every single shit I was doing to my family in a bid to save them. I slept off shortly after and woke up with bright lights flickering in my eyes.

'No way! Is it morning already?'.

I used my hands to block the morning light and turned to the other side of the bed. If I was given the chance, I'd sleep all day because I didn't want to leave my bed. It felt peaceful at that moment and I didn't want anything to take me away from such peace.

I had to stand up anyway, I had to finish my chores and get ready for the day's business. I brushed my teeth and went to the sitting room.

Surprisingly, Emily was already dressed. I wondered why she was dressed in such an outfit till I remembered it was James she was waiting for.

That son of a urggg! I just hated him for no particular reason, or maybe because Emily hated him too.

James was supposed to come to pick her up for her driving lessons. She was texting with her phone and the moment she saw me, she shoved it in her pocket and walked away.

"Xavier!" Mom's voice called.

Oh, damn. I didn't realize they were around. They were barely around these days I already forgot what it feels like to live with them. They felt like visitors now and it was crazy.

"Hi, Mom."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, I did" I shrugged "You?"

Before she could answer me, Dad walked in and pecked her. "Ready?"

"Yes, I just need to pack some bags."

What bags?

"Good morning Dad," I greeted and my lips twitched.

"Son."

I gave a quick smile knowing he didn't forget I was his son. What bag was mom talking about? Was she planning on leaving already?

"Are you guys uh— traveling?"

"Not exactly but we'll be out for some hours. We just need to take care of something."

I gave a nod in understanding, I understood her perfectly.

"Where's Emily?" Dad asked and I turned my head in the direction of the door.

"She stepped out I guess."

Well, she did step out and I have no idea where she went.

"Are you done with the chores?" Mom asked taking the Parker from where I left it.

I walked to the couch and fell on it. I was already exhausted and just needed to sleep. I closed my eyes for a second and pretended to be fast asleep when mom called me.

After a while, the doorbell rang and I opened my eyes. I knew Emily would come back, she couldn't stay out for that long.

"There's someone at the—"

"I'll get it!" I replied and stood up from the couch. I adjusted my shirt and slid my legs inside the palm. I walked to the door and smirked as I opened the door.

"Hello, Officer Tom."

My brows furrowed as I saw the man. He was standing with a lady and they were both dressed in a black uniforms. The man saw the look on my face and gave a proper introduction.

"Officer Tom from Child Service and I need to see Emily's mother."

My lips twitched and I turned. "Mom? There's someone here for you."

I opened the door and gestured them in. The lady looked like she was in her late twenties and her ivory skin glowed under her uniform. That wasn't my concern anyway, I just wanted to know why the hell they were here.

Mom walked in shortly and saw them. She recognized them and her face beamed with worry.

"Good day Ma'am," The officer greeted.

"Hi Officer, Good morning."

"You definitely know me but for formality, I am Officer Tom and this is Officer Ashley. We're from child service and we need to inspect Emily's living style and health record."

Mom gave a quick twitch and nodded. Dad walked in shortly and stood beside her, holding her.

"Can I see the room she sleeps in?"

Mom turned to Dad and he gave a nod assuring her it would be okay. Mom took the lead and they walked behind her. Of course, I followed, I needed to know what the hell was happening.

The lady shoved a book out and jotted a few things on the book.

They ask for her meal menu and mom told them she was eating well and we didn't have a food menu.

Who needs one? I obviously would get tired as hell knowing I would have pizza every Monday and green peas every Tuesday. It would take the excitement off coming home to meet your meal.

After a brief inspection, they checked her clothes and how neat her bed was. Good thing she dressed her bed when she woke, I was the one who didn't.

"Ma'am," The female officer called. "From our inspection, her living style is very inadequate."

"I know but—"

"I'm sorry I can't take any of your excuses. She's not well provided for and that's bad knowing her father can take care of her adequately."

"Madam, you have one month to get Emily in a comfortable atmosphere or she'll be taken."

Mom swallowed hard and I could see how scared she looked. Dad held her hands tightly and made sure to ease her anxiety.

When the Officers left, Mom let out a deep breath and held her chest. She was wiping her eyes before she could say anything and I just stared at her.

"Xavier it's nothing I promise. We have it under control."

I looked at her and I felt angrier knowing she was lying.

"Isn't that a lie you're trying to hide? Just the way you hid Emily's birth was a mistake."